Manual Lymphatic Drainage
MLD does not use any oils, creams, serums, lotions or tools. .
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of therapeutic massage technique that is used to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body.
The lymphatic system is an important part of the immune system that helps to remove waste and toxins from the body, as well as fight infection and disease.
During an MLD session, a trained therapist will use gentle, rhythmic hand movements and light pressure to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and encourage the movement of lymph fluid.
This technique can be particularly helpful for individuals with lymphedema (swelling due to a buildup of lymph fluid), as well as other conditions that affect the lymphatic system, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and digestive disorders.
MLD can also promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. It is a non-invasive and gentle therapy that is typically performed with the patient lying down and wearing loose, comfortable clothing.
What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a complex network of vessels, organs, and tissues that work together to help maintain fluid balance in the body and support the immune system.
The lymphatic vessels are similar to veins and capillaries, but instead of carrying blood, they transport a clear fluid called lymph. Lymph contains white blood cells, proteins, and other substances that are important for fighting infection and removing waste products from the body.
The lymphatic system also includes lymph nodes, which act as filters and help to trap and destroy harmful substances such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The spleen, thymus, and bone marrow are also part of the lymphatic system and play important roles in immune function.
Overall, the lymphatic system plays a critical role in maintaining the health and function of the immune system, as well as regulating fluid balance and removing waste products from the body.
Edema (Swelling) and MLD
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can be a helpful therapy for managing edema (swelling caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues) because it stimulates the lymphatic system and helps to improve lymphatic flow.
During an MLD session, a trained therapist uses gentle, rhythmic hand movements and light pressure to stimulate the lymphatic vessels and encourage the movement of lymph fluid. This can help to reduce the accumulation of fluid in the affected tissues and improve overall lymphatic function.
MLD may also help to reduce inflammation, which can contribute to the development of edema. By reducing inflammation and improving lymphatic flow, MLD can help to alleviate the symptoms of edema, such as pain, stiffness, and discomfort.
MLD practitioners are few and far between. CodedHEALing is proudly recommended by Surgeons, Doctors, Chiropractors, Functional Medicine Practitioners and many other Health Professionals for the standard of their Manual Lymphatic Drainage Sessions.
There are various techniques for MLD including the Vodder, Földi, Leduc or Casley-Smith methods.
Often, MLD is recommended as a component of the treatment plan known as Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT), although it may be used in combination with other treatments.
It often takes many hours of training in MLD, combined with years of hands-on experience, for a lymphedema therapist to become truly skilled.
INDICATIONS
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Primary or secondary lymphedema
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Lipedema
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Phlebo-lymphostatic edema
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Postoperative edema
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Post-traumatic edema
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Chronic venous insufficiency
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Palliative care: Provision of comfort and pain relief when other physical therapies are no longer appropriate
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This technique may be used as a complement in therapies for patients with stress.
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May be effective for reducing intracranial pressure in severe cerebral diseases.
ABSOLUTE CONTRINDICTION
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Decompensated cardiac insufficiency
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Untreated Congestive heart failure (CHF - cardiac edema)
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Acute inflammation caused by pathogenic germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses). The germs could be spread by the manual lymph drainage, with resulting blood poisoning (sepsis).
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Acute renal failure
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Acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT)
RELATIVE CONTRINDICTION
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Malignant lymphedema caused by active cancer
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Renal dysfunction